With the distribution plan settled, a crucial step remained before the actual division of spoils: the breaching of Zhang Gunli's warehouse.
Gui Jianchou and Mu Yuejuan each took a walnut, tapping them twice, yet no response was forthcoming.
Another couple of taps, still no reaction. Gui Jianchou grumbled about Mu Yuejuan's lack of force, while she countered, accusing him of imprecise striking.
Growing visibly impatient, Mu Yuejuan thrust her walnut towards Gui Jianchou. "The shares are already decided; go ahead and open the door yourself."
Despite repeated attempts, the warehouse remained inaccessible.
Mu Yuejuan turned her gaze to He Jiaqing. "Young Master He, are these truly genuine walnuts?"
He Jiaqing's brow furrowed slightly. "Could I possibly dare to deceive two esteemed seniors like yourselves?"
Mu Yuejuan's lips curled into a cold smile. "That's a difficult question. Back on Sage Peak, the sage and the Jade Seal vanished in the blink of an eye."
He Jiaqing shook his head vigorously. "I had absolutely no involvement in that matter. At that time, I was confined within a barren cage, deprived of even sustenance."
Feng Chongli's eyes fell upon the walnut. "Might I have a go?"
Gui Jianchou passed the walnut to Feng Chongli. After a few taps, a distinct reaction occurred within his sleeve.
Grasping the walnut in his right hand, he inserted his left hand between the two expectant nuts.
His left hand traversed through the walnut and his own right palm, vanishing into an unseen dimension.
After a brief exploration, Feng Chongli withdrew a bounty of silver yuan from the walnut's core. "Esteemed individuals, the warehouse lies directly within these two walnuts."
Gui Jianchou urged Mu Yuejuan, "No need to tarry; join me in gathering the contents!"
"Pah! Shameless! Who would bother gathering with you!" Mu Yuejuan scoffed, yet she still extended her hand into the space between the walnuts.
What lay within was substantial, indeed. A multitude of items.
It took both Gui Jianchou and Mu Yuejuan over half an hour, employing a variety of techniques, to fully deplete the warehouse's offerings.
Gui Jianchou and Mu Yuejuan, not overly concerned with the monetary value, entrusted the silver yuan to Feng Chongli for an accurate count, confident in his integrity regarding such matters.
Scattered amongst the hoard were over three hundred artifacts – magical treasures, spiritual objects, and weaponry, all of varying grades. Selection was a matter of luck and keen judgment, with the four taking turns to choose.
The remaining collection of elixirs was also equitably distributed among the quartet.
One item, however, presented a significant challenge for division: the warehouse itself.
The warehouse was an unparalleled treasure, its value evident to all present.
Mu Yuejuan declared, "I require a place to house my paintings; might I have the warehouse?"
Gui Jianchou voiced his objection. "Miss Mu, that hardly seems appropriate. Such a valuable item cannot simply be handed over to you so readily."
Mu Yuejuan's expression soured. "Then to whom do you suggest we give it? Zhang Gunli's soul and body are already yours; you cannot be excessively greedy."
Gui Jianchou merely shrugged. "I did not state that it must be mine."
Feng Chongli paused thoughtfully. "Respected seniors, I desire neither the silver yuan, nor the magical treasures, spiritual objects, or weaponry. My sole wish is to exchange all of it for the warehouse. Would you agree to such terms?"
Mu Yuejuan remained silent. Feng Chongli, being a cultivator adept in commerce, possessed a discerning eye for valuable items, and his choice was undoubtedly strategic. However, Mu Yuejuan felt the proposed exchange heavily favored him.
Gui Jianchou, too, stayed silent, harboring the same sentiment as Mu Yuejuan.
He Jiaqing surveyed the assembled individuals. "Very well, I shall relinquish my share to the esteemed seniors. Should Big Brother Feng wish for the warehouse, he may have it."
Feng Chongli appeared taken aback. "Young Master He, I didn't mean to..."
He Jiaqing raised a hand to quell his words. "We shall discuss our matters at another time. Esteemed seniors, Zhang Gunli's entire fortune has been placed in your hands; our only request is the warehouse. This is hardly an excessive demand, is it?"
Gui Jianchou nodded in agreement.
Mu Yuejuan also concurred.
Gui Jianchou, utilizing his numerous ghost servants, swiftly cleared the accumulated items.
Mu Yuejuan, taking her paintings, quickly moved all her belongings into them.
With their arrangements concluded, the two departed, leaving Feng Chongli holding the two walnuts. He turned to He Jiaqing. "Write me a note; I am indebted to you, and I will surely repay this."
He Jiaqing gently shook his head. "There is no need for repayment. You have avenged me, and that friendship cannot be quantified by mere wealth."
"Then by what means should it be measured?" Feng Chongli was uncertain of He Jiaqing's meaning.
He Jiaqing offered a smile. "I am unsure myself. Perhaps, should you ever find yourself in need of my assistance, simply make it known, and I shall stand by you as a brother."
Feng Chongli hesitated for a moment. "Given our age difference, would referring to you as 'brother' be… appropriate?"
He Jiaqing responded, "Everyone around me refers to each other as 'brother,' irrespective of age or their level of familiarity."
Feng Chongli turned his gaze to He Haisheng, inquiring, "Does he also address you as 'brother'?"
He Haisheng let out a couple of coughs, redirecting his attention elsewhere.
He wasn't particularly adept with his words.
Feng Chongli then shifted his focus to Shen Rongqing, asking, "Does he address you as 'brother' as well?"
A hint of awkwardness touched He Jiaqing, but Shen Rongqing remained unperturbed. "That is correct; I also call him 'brother.'"
Having spoken, Shen Rongqing resumed her search for the promissory note.
Numerous promissory notes lay scattered on the ground, and Shen Rongqing meticulously examined each one. She had no idea how long this would take, and no one else present seemed particularly concerned with this matter.
"Allow me to assist you in your search," Feng Chongli offered as he crouched down, swiftly perusing the stacks of notes.
Shen Rongqing replied, "Thank you, Senior. My name is..."
"I am aware of your name, the foremost talent of Puluo State. It is an honor to make your acquaintance," Feng Chongli stated. After a brief scan, he retrieved a single sheet from the pile and presented it to Shen Rongqing.
"Is this the one?"
Shen Rongqing accepted it and confirmed it was indeed her promissory note upon inspection.
"Thank you, Senior." Shen Rongqing felt a surge of relief and was about to tear the note when Feng Chongli intervened.
"Miss, this cannot be destroyed. There is a curse technique embedded within the note, and it might not have originated from Zhang Gunli himself. He had contingency plans; if the note is destroyed, it could potentially place you in grave danger."